Work Capability Assessment: An Update In our monthly newsletter circulated last Friday (16 February), we highlighted that Disability Equality Scotland members had given their views on the United Kingdom (UK) Government’s proposed changes to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). You were clear disabled people strongly opposed these proposals. We were also clear too that we would use what you had to...

Fact Sheet: Energy Price Cap and Cost of Living  Who We Are Disability Equality Scotland (DES) is a member-led, Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO), working towards the inclusion and accessibility of all disabled people across Scotland in all of society. Our work is based on a human rights approach, and we share the collective voices of disabled people to inform and influence policymaking decisio...

News: South Ayrshire Access Panel Launch Event In a remarkable collaborative effort, Disability Equality Scotland and Voluntary Action South Ayrshire are proud to announce the upcoming launch event of the new South Ayrshire Access Panel. This initiative is set to revolutionise accessibility across South Ayrshire and foster a more inclusive community. Scheduled for January 26, the launch event will...

A Festive Thank You! Dear Members, Access Panels, funders, and partners As we wrap up another year, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your invaluable contributions. This year holds special significance as Disability Equality Scotland proudly celebrated our 20th Anniversary as a National Disabled People’s Organisation. Through your active participatio...

‘Duty’ to Work? Our Response to the Recent Autumn Statement and ‘Back to Work’ Plan Disability Equality Scotland finds the proposed changes to give the Department of Work & Pensions the power to strip people of their social security as immoral, unworkable, and plainly wrong. Disabled people, not Government ministers, have a unique insight into their own lives and capabilities. They are able to...

Your Say on Disability: Our Response to the Work Capability Assessment The UK Government recently carried out a consultation on their proposals to reform Work Capability Assessment (WCA). The WCA is an assessment carried out for both Universal Credit (UC) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).  The results of the WCA are used by the Department for Work and Pensions to determine who can and ca...

Joint call for Scottish Government to improve devolved older age disability payment A coalition of 15 national charities and organisations coordinated by Age Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to improve their plans for the new Pension Age Disability Payment by including extra mobility and travel support for recipients. They believe that it would make the system fairer and offer disabl...

Vehicle Tax Exemption Research Highlights Areas for Improvement In September we asked members about their experience of applying or renewing their disabled persons vehicle tax exemption or reduction. Under current rules if someone receives the enhanced mobility component of Adult Disability Payment or Personal Independence Payment then they can apply for free vehicle tax. Where someone gets the st...

Grow Your Communication Skills with Disability Equality Scotland’s Training Courses! Are you looking to enhance your skills and make a positive impact on accessibility and inclusivity? Disability Equality Scotland is excited to deliver two training courses designed to empower individuals and organisations alike. Whether you’re an individual seeking personal growth or a business aiming ...

Work Capability Assessment: Activities and Descriptors Consultation Survey The United Kingdom Government are running a consultation on the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) as they have proposals to change how it works. The WCA is an assessment carried out for both Universal Credit (UC)  and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA.)  The results of the WCA are used by the Department for Work and Pens...